Social Media Will Make or Break Your Career

Social media has changed the way that we think and operate. In today’s society everything is at our fingertips and instantaneous; having the power to work for us or against us. Authorities across Queensland used it extensively with the recent emergency alerts.

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can make or break you in the search for a new job. The internet gives us endless opportunities to reach people we wouldn’t normally - on a daily basis. Here’s what you can do to ensure you’re putting your best (black polished shoe) foot forward.

Financial Edge posted a few Career Killers we thought were worth repeating:

1. Posting inappropriate pictures – Stephanie Rice in her infamous police suit is the perfect example of not what to do. No one wants to see too much skin, especially your potential employer!
   
   
2. Complaining about your current job – Although it may not be intended maliciously, your future boss probably won’t see it the way you do.
   
   
3. Post conflicting information - Saying two different things on your resume and on web pages gives the impression that you’re either lacking in attention to detail or lying. Both of which will certainly kill your opportunity at getting an interview.
   
   
4. Statuses you wouldn’t want your boss to see – Plenty of employees have been caught out posting photos or statuses doing what they shouldn’t be during work hours. From calling in sick after a big night on the town to chucking a ‘sickie’ so you can go to your favourite concert. This again implies that you are unreliable and can’t be trusted.
   
   
5. Not understanding your security settings – Facebook changes the rules from time to time and it’s important to know who can see what. I know I wouldn’t let a stranger sit my lounge room and go through my personal items.
   
   
6. Losing by Association – There’s a saying “you can’t soar with the eagles if you're surrounded by turkeys”. Unfortunate and as unfair as it sometimes is, human beings judge. We can’t control what our friends write or tag. Regardless of whether the information on your facebook is innocent, it reflects poorly on you. (Coming back to point 5, you can change your security settings to ensure that no one can post to your wall… you already know this!).

The writer of the article suggested this simple solution:

“The best advice is to lock down your personal profile so that only friends you approve can see anything on that profile. Then, create a second, public profile on Facebook purely for professional use. This profile functions like an online resume, and should only contain information you’d be comfortable telling your potential employer face to face. Having a social networking profile is a good thing – it presents you as technologically and professionally savvy. Just make sure your profile is helping to present your best side – not the side that got drunk at your buddy’s New Year’s party.”

Wise advice we would have to agree! Our final thought, if you wouldn’t do or say it to or in front of your boss, don’t post it on facebook, linkedin and/or twitter. Always be learning to harness the power of all your Social Media profiles to make sure that they work for you not against you!

For more tips on how to land your dream job read our article “How to Get That Job Interview”.

Happy social networking!